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Safety Tips for Walkers, Bike Riders & Drivers this Summer

By Jennifer Schorr, Macaroni Kid Reading May 20, 2022

The weather is getting warmer, and that means many of us will be out enjoying the fresh air by taking walks and riding bikes. It's important to keep these safety tips for walkers, bike riders, and drivers in mind:

1. Pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks.
When there are no traffic signals to indicate who has the right of way at an intersection, the driver must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk. 

2. Look both ways before crossing.
Even if there is a crosswalk or traffic signals, you should still be safe by looking both ways before crossing the street.

3. Wear bright clothing.
Dark clothing can be hard to see, especially at night, so be sure to wear clothing that is easily visible to drivers. Also make sure that your bike has reflectors, and if you do a lot of bike riding at dusk/night, it may be a good idea to invest in a bike headlight, too.

4. Wear a properly fitted helmet.
Wearing a helmet that fits properly is the best way to help prevent head injuries in the event you or your child do fall off a bike.

5. Make sure the bike is the proper size for your child.
Kids should be able to reach the ground, peddles, and handlebars easily. If a bike is too big for your child, it may make it hard to control. When your child is younger, make sure the bike also has foot brakes, as they are easier to use than hand brakes.

6. Ride with traffic. Walk facing traffic.
When riding a bike, you should ride your bike on the same side of the road where the cars drive. Of course, if your child is just learning to ride a bike, it is still safer to remain on the sidewalk. When taking a walk, you should walk opposing traffic, so you can see oncoming cars.

Enjoy being outside! Just be smart when you do it!


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